Dutch Eredivisie preview and tips: PSV should pass Fortuna Sittard test with ease
- Paul Bathurst
- 13 May 2023
Tipstrr football expert Paul Bathurst feels Fortuna Sittard are likely to adopt a 'nothing to lose' mentality when they face PSV on Sunday (7pm kick-off), which should lead to an open game.
Two weeks ago, PSV lifted the KNVB Beker trophy thanks to a penalty shootout victory over fierce rivals Ajax.
The side from Eindhoven will feel they got another one over on the side from Amsterdam last weekend, with Ajax failing to beat AZ Alkmaar whilst PSV won 1-0 away at Sparta Rotterdam.
This sequence of results has given PSV a significant five-point lead in the race for second place which provides entry into the Champions League qualifying round.
Whilst Ruud van Nistelrooy's side only managed the one goal at Sparta courtesy of Anwar El Ghazi's strike in the 74th minute, he will be fully aware that his side deserved a high margin of victory. PSV created 3.60xG (Expected Goals) and had 22 shots at goal with Luuk De Jong and Xavi Simons both missing huge opportunities.
It is imperative for PSV not to get complacent despite their lead over Ajax and a home win against Fortuna Sittard would significantly increase their odds of returning to Europe's elite competition next season.
Fortuna Sittard are having a good season based on their own objectives. Sittard sit 12th with 35 points which is likely to be enough to ensure they play in Eredivisie next season.
A huge win at the weekend at home to Vitesse was vital, and whilst that win will feel very much like a smash and grab, the points on the board are all that matters.
A game against PSV will be seen as free-hit almost, nobody in Netherlands expects anything other than a home win.
In terms of form, PSV are unbeaten domestically since January when they suffered a shock 1-0 defeat away at Emmen. Van Nistelrooy's team have won all their last five games including a 3-0 win at home to Ajax.
Fortuna have faced difficult opponents in their recent matches leading to 4-0 and 3-0 losses to Ajax and AZ Alkmaar respectively. The win last weekend should provide some confidence after a run for three defeats.
PSV will once again be without defender Armando Obispo, whilst Mauro Junior will also be unavailable in midfield. Both players have faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to knee injuries.
Fortuna Sittard will be unable to call on Thomas Buitink for this one, although the forward has not featured much this season.
Manager Julio Velazquez has an otherwise fully-fit squad to choose from and will relish the challenge at Philips Stadion on Sunday.
PSV should win this game with a high degree of comfort, whilst Fortuna Sittard are likely to adopt a 'nothing to lose' mentality which should lead to an open game.
The talent and quality on display for the home side should lead to a high xG total, and therefore PSV to win on the handicaps is likely a shrewd position to take with -2.5 the current line.
